On the basis of Arts. 5, 72 and 76 of the Law on Civil Associations and Foundations (Official Gazette of Republic of Macedonia No. 31/98), and according to the Decision for amending and appending the Articles of Association of the House of Immigrants of Macedonia No. 08/459 dtd. Oct. 09.1998, the Assembly of the House of Immigrants of Macedonia, on its meeting held on Oct. 16, 1998, adopted the following:

ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION
of the House of Immigrants of Macedonia

I. GENERAL PROVISIONS

Art.1

The House of Immigrants was founded on the initiative of returnees, cultural and social workers from Macedonia on May 17 1951, in accordance with the legal regulations of People's Republic of Macedonia at that time, as a cultural association "The House of Immigrants of Macedonia", with registered legal place in Skopje.

The House of Immigrants is an association of public interest.

The House of Immigrants of Macedonia (hereinafter :the House of Immigrants) develops, deepens and expands the contacts with the Macedonian immigrants and with the Macedonians living in the neighboring countries, with a purpose to contribute for their cultural and spiritual unification , maintaining the communication and relations between Macedonia and Macedonian immigrants, as well as taking care of the Macedonians living in the neighboring countries.

Art.2

The House of Immigrants is a non-profit association.

Any profit made by the House of Immigrants during its work must be used exclusively for supporting and realizing its aims and activities established under the Articles of Association.

Art.3

The House of Immigrants is a legal entity with registered legal place in Skopje.

The territory on which it acts is Republic of Macedonia and the countries where its immigrants and their young generations live.

The House of Immigrants cooperates with all the immigrants regardless of their nationality, political orientation and religion and the motives of their immigration , as well as with Macedonians living in the neighboring countries.

Art.4

The House of Immigrants has its emblem , which consists of a globe, in the lower part of which there is stylized presentation of the mountains, lakes and rivers of Macedonia, then its tobacco, opium poppy and elements of the Macedonian folk embroidery. Around the globe ,from left to right, in a circle it is inscribed the following: Matica na Iselenicite od Makedonija (The House of Immigrants of Macedonia).

The House of Immigrants has its own round seal containing the following text:
Matica na Iselenicite od Makedonija (The House of Immigrants of Macedonia).

The memorandum of the House of Immigrants is at the same time written in Macedonian, English, German, French, Swedish and Spanish languages.

Art.5

The work of the House of Immigrants and its bodies is transparent. The Executive Board is responsible for the transparency of the work of the House of Immigrants.

The House of Immigrants provides the transparency in its work through:

• informing the immigrants, the Macedonians living in the neighboring countries and the wider public about its activities, through the illustrated magazine "Makedonija" and other publications and other mass media forms ;
• cooperating with representatives of other legal entities that participate and assist in the work of the House of Immigrants.

Art.6

The House of Immigrants cooperates with institutions, organizations, national authorities and individuals in Macedonia, as well as with different organizations, church communities, associations, clubs, sections and other forms of organization and organizations of Macedonian immigrants and of Macedonians living in the neighboring countries.

II. ACTIVITIES OF THE HOUSE OF IMMIGRANTS

Art.7

The House of Immigrants realizes its activities through:

• establishing, maintaining, expanding and encouraging cooperation and relationships between the Republic of Macedonia and the immigrants, their young generations and the Macedonians living in the neighboring countries;
• aid in nursing and developing the national consciousness, language and culture with the Macedonian immigrants and the Macedonians living in the neighboring countries;
• encouraging and helping the immigrants in exploring and developing the national, cultural, social, economical, political and legal issues, as well as monitoring and analyzing the emigration processes of the Macedonians and other citizens of the Republic of Macedonia, as well as the related conditions of the Macedonians living in the neighboring countries;
• cooperation with other institutions while organizing and maintaining the additional education to Macedonian immigrants and Macedonians living in the neighboring countries;
• encouraging and helping in the process of connecting the economy of the Republic of Macedonia with important businessmen –immigrants, and businessmen- Macedonians living in the neighboring countries;
• publishing the illustrated magazine "Makedonija", the wall calendar and other publications through which the Macedonian immigrants and the Macedonian people living in the neighboring countries are introduced to the activities of the House of Immigrants, with the events in their fatherland ,with the life in their fatherland and in the countries they have immigrated to , cooperating in the publishing of the immigration press and other publications;
• encouraging the mass media in the Republic to affirm the events and processes between the immigrants and the Macedonian people living in the neighboring countries;
• helping the immigrants in realizing their rights during their stay in Macedonia or when they finally return to the Republic of Macedonia;
• encouraging and organizing visits between Cultural and Artistic Societies as well as Sport Clubs, scientists, businessmen and other entities from the Republic of Macedonia and the immigrants and Macedonians living in the neighboring countries;

• informing the public and the competent authorities in the Republic of Macedonia about the problems in the immigration countries and the neighboring countries and giving proposals for their solution;

• organizing visits and meetings of the immigrants and the Macedonians living in the neighboring countries in the Republic of Macedonia and

• other forms and manners that will result out of the activities of the House of Immigrants.

III. TYPE OF ORGANIZATION OF THE HOUSE OF IMMIGRANTS

Art.8

The House of Immigrants is organized into municipal associations on the basis of territorial principle.

The municipal associations can be organized for one or more municipalities on the basis of the present Articles of Association, upon proposal of at least 5 (five) persons.

Approval for forming municipal association is given by the Executive Board of the House of Immigrants of Macedonia, on the basis of a proposed program for the work of such municipal association.

Art.9

The Assembly of the municipal association is the highest authority.

The Assembly is elected by Executive Board.

Art.10

The municipal associations of the House of Immigrants establish their work by a special Articles of Association which is adopted by the Assembly of the municipal association, on the basis of prior consent of the Assembly of the House of Immigrants, and upon opinion of the Executive Board of the House of Immigrants of Macedonia.

The Articles of Association of the municipal associations are to be in accordance with the present Articles of Association.

IV. BODIES OF THE HOUSE OF IMMIGRANTS

Art.11

The House of Immigrants is composed of the following bodies:

• Assembly;
• Executive Board

Art.12

The Assembly is the highest body of the House of Immigrants which is constituted on representatives basis, i.e. representatives of the municipal associations of the House of Immigrants, as well as representatives of institutions and associations whose work gives special contribution in the cooperation with the immigrants and the Macedonians living in the neighboring countries.

The presidents of the municipal associations of the House of Immigrants are by function representatives in the Assembly of the House of Immigrants of Macedonia.

The number, structure and the manner of electing the representatives in the Assembly, as well as the institutions and associations with a right to vote in the Assembly , are established by adopting a special decision of the Assembly, upon the Executive Board's proposal.

Art.13

The Assembly works on regular and extraordinary meetings.

Regular meetings are called once a year by the Executive Board of the House of Immigrants.

The extraordinary meeting can be called on the initiative of the Executive Board of the House of Immigrants or if such is requested by 1/5 of the representatives in the Assembly.

If the Executive Board of the House of Immigrants fails to call an extraordinary meeting in due time after receiving a request to do so, it can be called by the proposers.

The meetings of the Assembly are held in accordance with the Working Schedule of the Assembly.

Art. 14

Invitations and materials for the Assembly's meetings will be submitted at least 7(seven) day prior to holding the meeting.

The Agenda of the meeting and the materials are prepared by the House of Immigrants' Executive Board, which proposes the Assembly's working presidency, verification commission and registrar.

Election and Candidate Commission is elected at the Election Assembly.

Art.15

The Assembly works and adopts valid decisions at the meeting if at least half of the total number of representatives are present, and adopts the decisions with majority of votes of the present representatives.

Art.16

The mandate of the Assembly's representatives and its bodies is for a period of 4 (four) years, with a possibility of reelection.

Art.17

The Assembly's work is managed by the Working Presidency which is elected by the Assembly, upon a proposal of the President of the House of Immigrants.

Art.18

The voting is public unless the Assembly decides to make it secret.

Art.19

The Assembly has the following competencies:

• to adopt, amend and append the Articles of Association of the House of Immigrants and to interpret its provisions;

• to adopt the financial plan for the current year and a annual balance sheet for the previous year;
• to review and adopt the reports of the House of Immigrants' bodies for the previous year;
• to review and adopt the House of Immigrants' Working Program for the current year;
• to adopt a recommendation , in case of insufficient activity, about holding earlier elections for the bodies of the House of Immigrants' municipal associations upon proposal of the House of Immigrants' Executive Board;
• to discuss all the issues of interest for improving the relations and cooperation with the immigrants and with the Macedonians living in the neighboring countries , and in that sense adopts conclusions, opinions, recommendations etc;
• to initiate enactment of laws and other general acts prepared by the Parliament of the Republic of Macedonia or its Government , which regulate issues in the field in which the House of Immigrants operates;
• to elect and dismiss members of the Executive Board;
• to make decision about terminating the existence of the House of Immigrants;
• to carry out other activities provided under the present Articles of Association or other acts of the House of Immigrant's Assembly.

EXECUTIVE BOARD

Art.20

The Executive Board is an executive body of the House of Immigrant's Assembly and reports for its work to the Assembly.

The Assembly elects President of the House of Immigrants from the members of the Executive Board.

The Executive Board is managed by the President of the House of Immigrants.

The Secretary of the House of Immigrants and the chief editor of the magazine "Makedonija" are by function members of the Executive Board.

Art.21

The number of the members of the Executive Board is odd and is established with Assembly's special decision . Their mandate is for a period of 4(four) years with a possibility for reelection.

The mandate of a member of the Executive Board can be terminated earlier if such member fails to attend without explanation 3 (three) meetings in succession.

Art.22

The members of the Executive Board are elected by the Assembly among the representatives on the Meeting of the House of Immigrants.

Art.23

The Executive Board shall meet at least once in two months , but also whenever considered necessary.

Art.24

The Executive Board works and decides on meetings on which for adopting valid decisions the presence of more than half of the total number of members of the Executive Board is necessary, and the decisions are adopted with majority of votes of the present members.

Art.25

The Executive Board is responsible for the following activities:

• to realize the House of Immigrants' Program, as well as conclusions, opinions and other acts adopted by the Assembly;

• to help, adjust and direct the work of the House of Immigrants' municipal associations;

• to organize cooperation of different type with organizations and institutions in order to encourage activities of wider interest for the Republic of Macedonia, for Macedonian immigrants and for the Macedonians living in the neighboring countries;

• to prepare the annual balance sheet for the previous year and the financial plan for the current year;

• to prepare the report for the previous year and the work program for the current year;

• to manage the material property and the business premises of the House of Immigrants;

• The Executive Board proposes representatives from the House of Immigrants in external authorities, organizations and institutions, which will ask for a representative from the House of Immigrants;

• to appoint and dismiss the Secretary of the House of Immigrants;

• to appoint and dismiss the editor-in-chief of the magazine "Makedonija";

• to prepare proposal acts and other decisions adopted by the House of Immigrants' Assembly;

• to propose to the Assembly announcement of early elections in the bodies of the House of Immigrants' municipal associations;

• to adopt decision for leasing the House of Immigrants' premises;

• to form permanent and provisional auxiliary bodies and to establish their structure and scope of work;

• to adopt decisions for electing and appointing members of the Council of Immigrants of Macedonia and honorary members of the House of Immigrants;

• to establish all the relations related to the employees in the House of Immigrants;

• to propose candidates for decoration and recognition from the representatives of the Assembly and important immigrants;

• to decide about awards for members of the House of Immigrants' bodies and the employees in the House of Immigrants;

• to carry out other activities entrusted to it by the Assembly.

Art.26

Public, cultural and scientific workers can be invited on the meeting of the Assembly ,who are not members of the Executive Board, depending on the Agenda.

The Presidents of the municipal associations can also attend the meetings of the Executive Board ,if necessary.

Art.27

The House of Immigrants of Macedonia has President of its Assembly, who is at the same time President of the Executive Board.

The Presidents of the House of Immigrants manages the work of the Executive Board ,the House of Immigrants' Assembly and the Council of the Macedonian immigrants and represents the House of Immigrants.

The President is reports for his/her work to the House of Immigrant's Assembly.

Art.28

The President calls the meetings of the Executive Board and prepares the meetings of the Executive Board and the House of Immigrants' Assembly, executes the acts adopted by the Assembly and the Executive Board as well as other important acts of the House of Immigrants, and in the period between the meetings of the Executive Board takes care the responsibilities resulting out of the decisions of the Executive Board to be implemented.

The President represents the House of Immigrants and is a Principal in the preparation of the House of Immigrants' financial plan.

The President, if necessary, may assign to the Secretary his/ her function of representing the House of Immigrants.

Art.29

The President is elected by the House of Immigrants' Assembly for a period of 4 (four) years with a possibility to be reelected.

V. AUXILLIARY BODIES IN THE HOUSE OF IMMIGRANTS

Art.30

Auxiliary bodies of the House of Immigrants are the following:

• The Council of Immigrants of Macedonia;

• Youth Council;

• other auxiliary bodies.

COUNCIL OF IMMIGRANTS OF MACEDONIA

Art.31

The Council of Immigrants of Macedonia is a coordinating- consultative body of the House of Immigrants' Executive Board providing to be established direct connection between Macedonia and the Macedonian immigrants and their associations throughout the world ,as well as the Macedonian people living in the neighboring countries.

The representatives of the organizations of Macedonian people living in the neighboring countries take equal participation in the work of the Council of Immigrants of Macedonia.

Art.32

In the period between meetings the Council realizes its work through written, oral and other communication.

Art.33

Decision for the number, manner of election and the election of the members of the Council of Immigrants of Macedonia adopts the House of Immigrants' Executive Board.

Art.34

The work of the Council of Immigrants of Macedonia is coordinated by the President of the House of Immigrants who keeps the members of the Council constantly informed of the work of the House of Immigrants.

The members of the Council of Immigrants of Macedonia submit their opinions and proposals to the House of Immigrants.

The President of the House of Immigrants informs the Executive Board of such views and opinions.

YOUTH COUNCIL

Art.35

The Youth Council is a coordinating- consultative body of the House of Immigrants' Executive Board through which contacts between the youth from the Republic of Macedonia ,the immigrants and the Macedonians living in the neighboring countries are established, maintained, developed, expanded and deepened.

Art.36

The Council can, in accordance with the basic decisions on its working and organization, initiate forming youth councils in the immigrant countries and among the Macedonians living in the neighboring countries.

Art.37

The Youth Council elects President of the Council from its members.

Art.38

The President of the Youth Council calls the meetings of the Assembly and presides them.

VI. TECHNICAL UNIT

Art.39

For carrying out the professional, cultural-educational, informational, documentary, editorial, organizational, financial and administrative-technical works, within the House of Immigrants is organized a technical professional unit in which all the employees in the House of Immigrants are included. The House of Immigrants signs contracts with its employees for an unlimited or limited period of time in accordance with the Law and the Collective Labour Agreement.

The issues related to the organization and job systematization are regulated in accordance with the Regulations governing the organization and job systematization and the work of the Technical Unin within the House of Immigrants, adopted by the Executive Board.

The Secretary of the House of Immigrants manages the above stated Technical unit.

Art.40

The Secretary of the House of Immigrants performs the following activities:

• manages the Technical Unit of House of Immigrants and under the Articles of Association it is a managing body;

• monitors the processes in the immigrant territories, analyzes and presents them before the House of Immigrants' organs and wider;

• proposes measures in relation to the structure of organization and function of the House of Immigrants and its municipal associations in the Republic;

• prepares the meetings of the House of Immigrants' Executive Board and its Assembly;

• engages himself/herself in the implementation of the decisions of the Executive Board and the Assembly;

• takes care of the implementation of the House of Immigrants' Work Program;
• proposes measures for more efficient working of the Technical Unit.
• observes the material and financial state of the House of Immigrants and its municipal associations and proposes measures for its improvement.

Art.41

The Secretary reports for his/her work to the Executive Board, and in the period between two meeting works under the President's instructions.

In case of his/her absence the Secretary is substituted by a person to be appointed by him/her.

Art.42

The Executive Board appoints the Secretary of the House of Immigrants for a period of 4 (four) years with a possibility to be reelected.

Art.43

For the purpose of realizing its objectives successfully and appropriately, the House of Immigrants organizes and conducts publishing activity.

The House of Immigrants publishes the magazine "Makedonija", the wall calendar and other publications with an aim to develop cultural, creative and spiritual values for the requirements of immigrants and the Macedonians living in the neighboring countries.

Art.44

The publishing activity of the House of Immigrants is managed by the Editor –in- chief of the Magazine "Makedonija" , who is in charge of the following:

• to monitor the processes in the immigrant territories and in the territories of the Macedonians living in the neighboring countries;

• to take care of the material – financial situation in the House of Immigrants' publishing activity sector and to propose measures for its improvement;
• to control the quality and the contents of the magazine "Makedonija", the wall calendar and the other publications , always taking care to be published within the scheduled due time.

Art. 45

The Editor-in-chief reports for his/her work before the Executive Board and the President of the House of Immigrants.

Art.46

The Editor-in-chief of the magazine "Makedonija" is appointed by the Executive Board for a period of 4 (four) months with a possibility to be reappointed.

VII. MATERIAL & FINANCIAL WORKS AND
CAPITAL GOODS SOURCES

Art.47

The funds required for the work of the House of Immigrants are provided by:

• The Budget of Republic of Macedonia
• Income from own business activities
• Voluntary contributions and
• Wills and gifts

Art.48

The funds shall be spent in accordance with the annual financial schedule and activities planned by the House of Immigrants.

The officials in charge of the funds shall behave with due care and in a responsible manner in respect to the financial and material operations of the House of Immigrants, all in accordance with the Laws and the House of Immigrants' acts.

Definitive allocation of the funds for salaries and funds for settling material costs and other liabilities shall be effected with the annual balance sheet.

The financial operations shall be carry out in accordance with the Budget Act, while the Ministry of Finances of RM shall control the House of Immigrants' income and whether the funds are used and spent for the intended purpose.

VIII. TERMINATION OF THE HOUSE OF IMMIGRANTS' WORK

Art.49

The work of the House of Immigrants may be terminated with a decision by the House of Immigrants' Assembly when the terms and conditions set forth under Art. 52 of the Law on Civil Associations and Foundations occur.

Should the work of the house of Immigrants be terminated, its assets and properties shall be assigned to the Assembly of the Republic of Macedonia.

IX. TRANSITORY AND FINAL PROVISIONS

Art.50

The Executive Board of the House of Immigrants is obliged within 6 months to adjust the existing acts of the House of Immigrants with the provisions of the present Articles of Association.

Art.51

The validity of the Articles of Association of the House of Immigrants passed on June 29,1993 terminates at the day of the adoption of the present Articles of Association.

The mandate of the members in the House of Immigrants' bodies and organs continues until regular elections.

Art.52

Amendments and appendices to the present Articles of Association are possible only if approved by the Executive Board of the House of Immigrants.

Art. 54

The present Articles of Association shall become effective at the day of their adoption by the Assembly of the House of Immigrants.